Medical Social Worker (MSW)

Description

Essential Functions:

1. Participates in the development and maintenance of treatment plans.
   
   • Evaluates and develops in collaboration with physician and other care team members, a Plan of Care to address/ treat psychosocial and emotional status to meet the patients' needs.
   • Completes patient's case assessments, prepares clinical and progress notes and participates in case conference as required.
   • Involves patients and family members in developing and implementing the plan of care whenever possible.
   • Instructs other team members, patients, and families in understanding the social and emotional factors related to the health problems of the patient.
   • Instructs patients and families of correct utilization of appropriate community resources as needed.
   • Acts as a consultant to home health care interdisciplinary team members as needed.
2. Implements current medical social work practice.
   
   • Maintains comprehensive listings of all community services available to home care patients and their families.
   • Helps patients and families to understand, accept, and follow medical recommendations and provides services planned to maximize individual capabilities.
   • Helps patients and families with personal and environmental difficulties that predispose illness or interfere with obtaining maximum benefits from medical care.
   • Engages in resource planning by making arrangements with other supportive services for which the patient is eligible.
   • Participates in discharge planning activities and prepares appropriate documentation.
   • Implements appropriate infection control and safety measures and reports all hazards and accidents in a timely and accurate manner.
   • Maintains confidentiality of patient information.
3. Participates in professional growth and development.
   
   • Attends Agency in-services as required.
   • Develops and presents educational programs for Agency clinical staff as required.
   • Remains active in appropriate professional and community organizations to enhance knowledge of resources available to patients and their families.
   • Participates in Performance Improvement programs.
4. Fulfills additional performance responsibilities as assigned and as necessary.

Requirements

Physical Requirements: Visual/hearing ability sufficient to comprehend written/oral communication. Ability to deal effectively with stress.

Working Conditions: Works in office areas as well as in client homes and in assisted and independent living facilities. Sits, stands, bends, lifts, and moves intermittently during working hours. Interacts with clients, family members, staff, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc., under all conditions/circumstances. Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset clients, family members, staff, visitors, etc. under all conditions/circumstances. Is involved in community/civic health matters/projects. May be exposed to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., including exposure to HIV and hepatitis viruses. Communicates with the medical staff, nursing staff, and other supervisors. Maintains a liaison with clients, their families, support staff, etc. to assure that the clients' needs are continually met.

Qualifications: Master's degree (MSW) from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Geriatric social work experience preferred. Board Certification by the State of Agency operation. Minimum of 1 year of recent experience as a Medical Social Worker.

Certification and License Requirements: MSW - current and in good standing